November 12 / 14.55 Cheltenham

14.55

Good To Soft

Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £15609
  • 2m 7f 208y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
ITV
View Course
Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £14.30
  • Place: £3.60

Form: P33V-P C

Last run: 188 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
His chase career started well last autumn but took a disappointing turn with cheekpieces in February/May when last seen; not proven beyond 2m4f but has a good mark back hurdling if he's judged on his best chase efforts and his stable is on good form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Annual Invictus

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Returned from long absence with two below-par runs over 3m2f at Newbury towards end of last year, albeit first was in major handicap; well handicapped on old form and should be fine stamina-wise on cross-country debut but would appeal more on good ground and others have much less to prove

25/1

2nd

9

27th Apr 2024

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

Annual Invictus

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Won Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster (3m, good) in January and that form has been franked by the runner-up; soft ground against him next time; fair sixth in this race last year (good to soft) and he may be able to improve upon that finishing position if good going prevails this afternoon.

20/1

2nd

9

27th Apr 2024

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

Annual Invictus

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Won Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster (3m, good) in January and that form has been franked by the runner-up; soft ground against him next time; fair sixth in this race last year (good to soft) and he may be able to improve upon that finishing position if good going prevails this afternoon.

20/1

12/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 244-52

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Solid sequence at 2m this February-March, but he also won a 2m5f novice in 2021 and passed plenty of his rivals late on when second of 13 over 2m4f here three weeks ago (4lb higher today, as he's out of the handicap); after that performance, this new trip looks interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 4

15:30 Plumpton

Fontana Ellissi

11st 3lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Lightly raced in recent years and remains without a win since 2022; always behind when 33-1 for seasonal debut at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) in December and needs addition of blinkers to aid a revival.

14/1

3rd

4

30th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 141y

Class 3

17:05 Ascot

Fontana Ellissi

10st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Well handicapped on his Cheltenham seconds (2m4f/3m) in late 2022; lightly raced in the meantime and he was still travelling with some purpose when slipping up before two out in a Class 2 handicap at Kelso a month ago (2m5f; in this first-time headgear combination); respected.

13/2

10

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

14:20 Kelso

Fontana Ellissi

10st 8lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Runner-up twice in a row at Cheltenham in autumn 2022 and well treated on that form; however, he wasn't at his best on two starts last season and returned from another absence with a heavy defeat at 40-1 at Newbury this January; major turnaround needed in first-time headgear combination.

33/1

OUR TIP

13/2

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 1FP7-1 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Started off for David Pipe with three wins (a hurdle race and two chases, up to 3m3f) in late 2021 and, following wind surgery and a seven-month break, he was back with a bang to win over hurdles at Worcester 16 days ago; back up 5lb since but he did it smoothly and peak chase form was better still; case can certainly be made but these rivals will ask sterner questions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

23rd Feb 2024

Soft

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:40 Exeter

Sidi Ismael

12st 0lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: David Pipe

10yo who is having a substandard campaign, but last month's fifth at Plumpton was a step back in the right direction and he's well handicapped on last season's marathon chase form (including on soft); not ruled out.

14/1

5th

2

7th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 4f 102y

Class 3

14:50 Plumpton

Sidi Ismael

11st 9lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

Well-held fifth in this last year off 2lb higher; ended that campaign well with two seconds over 3m4f and a blind eye could be turned to this season's no-shows for one reason or another (lost his action last time).

40/1

Form: 2U1223

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Had a chase win in August and minor honours for this three starts since, the latest when back over hurdles behind Sidi Ismael at Worcester; this race demands a major career best, though, particularly as he is 4lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

21st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:25 Musselburgh

Punxsutawney Phil

12st 0lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Won over C&D in December and by 16l at Newcastle (extended 2m4f) in February, both from the front on good to soft; disappointing in his two runs in between and again on latest start but he was brought out quickly under a penalty in the latter; visor replaces his usual cheekpieces.

14/1

3

20th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 10y

Class 4

14:45 Huntingdon

Punxsutawney Phil

11st 12lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Won at Musselburgh (3m) in December and by 16l at Newcastle (extended 2m4f) last Thursday, both from the front on good to soft; disappointing in his two runs in between but he'd have a huge chance under this penalty if that form from last week (a narrow career best) is repeated.

2/1

3

13th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 4

15:25 Newcastle

Punxsutawney Phil

11st 11lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Won over 3m at Musselburgh in December (good to soft); rather disappointing in his two runs since and needs to bounce back.

16/1

Form: 60-710

Last run: 106 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
He's been soundly beaten when going beyond 2m3f (three times at 2m4f-3m last season) and his win at Killarney in July was over 2m1f; ran creditably at the 2021 Festival here and had a solid recent run on the Flat, but this trip gives him a big question to answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

18th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 180y

14:30 Killarney

Zoffanien

11st 5lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Terence O’Brien

Has hit the frame in both handicap hurdle outings in 2025, the latest when runner-up at Cork beaten 2l in April; mixed signals on the strength of that form but fit after respectable Flat outing last month and feasibly treated on old form.

9/1

10

(8)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

17:05 Navan

Zoffanien

9st 11lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Terence O’Brien

Three-time hurdles winner and 2-12 on the Flat; has run well on every outing since joining this yard, including four Flat runs in the second half of last year; stayed on well when second over hurdles at Cork when last seen; will be doing best work late.

14/1

Form: 14-1U2 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Three wins and two seconds from his seven handicaps, and he was in front when his saddle slipped two out (unseated) on penultimate outing; on the upgrade and stays 3m2f but he needs a mighty step forward today from 8lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

10th Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 54y

Class 4

14:23 Exeter

Valentino

11st 0lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Jackie Du Plessis

held up in rear, not fluent 12th, briefly went third 14th, lost position gradually before 4 out

14/1

4th

5

25th Jun 2024

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

16:30 Newton Abbot

Valentino

11st 3lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Jackie Du Plessis

Two-time C&D winner; finished a 25l fifth of eight in September on the back of a lengthy absence and has not been sighted again since; on a good mark and has gone well fresh in the past but he has something to prove at present and can only be watched with blinkers now added.

25/1

5th

6

11th Sep 2023

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 2

16:25 Newton Abbot

Valentino

11st 1lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Jackie Du Plessis

in touch with leaders

10/1

Form: 5P3PP- C

Last run: 213 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Won the Grade 1 Stayers' Hurdle here in March 2020; only echoes of that form since and, with one exception, they were weak last season; there have to be major doubts but he's well down the weights, could be freshened up again first time out and Irish amateur Rob James (won the 2020 Kim Muir here and last season's Scottish National) is an eyecatching jockey booking.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

12th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Lisnagar Oscar

11st 12lb

J: Mr R James

T: Rebecca Curtis

led, headed and prominent from 1st, dropped to midfield 5th, ridden and brief headway before 2 out (usual 3 out), weakened before last (usual 2 out)

12/1

1

5th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 2

14:01 Aintree

Lisnagar Oscar

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Rebecca Curtis

20/1

Form: 157-51

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Disappointing (Flat and hurdles) this year until he won a four-runner handicap at Hereford (3m1f, good to firm) on latest outing; 6lb higher (2lb out of the handicap) for this much more demanding race and he was well beaten over 3m last December on his only visit here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

22nd Aug 2023

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Ernesto

11st 5lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Ian Williams

midfield

16/1

7th

5

4th Aug 2023

Good

2m 7f 7y

Class 5

13:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Ernesto

11st 5lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Ian Williams

Lurks on a very dangerous mark even before Daire McConville's useful 8lb claim is considered but has been out of form this year and needs to turn a corner; visor replaced by cheekpieces; tongue-tie removed.

8/1

Form: 2462-2

Last run: 82 days

W: 10st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
10yo who has a lower mark these days but he went the wrong way for Dr Newland in 2021 and his two seconds from two runs (March and August) since rejoining this yard both came in very small fields, when no match for the winner; others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

1st Apr 2023

Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

15:27 Stratford

Forecast

11st 4lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Martin Keighley

raced in second, bad mistake and pushed along 5th, dropped to rear before 2 out, weakened quickly 2 out, tailed off

4/1

6th

4

12th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:35 Warwick

Forecast

11st 12lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Martin Keighley

Hurdle/chase winner who is not as good as he was but retains some ability; modest fourth of six in a handicap hurdle at Market Rasen (2m7f, good) 19 days ago, form which gives him something to find here.

14/1

4th

5

21st Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 4

15:15 Market Rasen

Forecast

11st 3lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Martin Keighley

took keen hold, held up in last, outpaced and pushed along 3 out, ridden and struggling when left in modest third before 2 out, soon hung right, lost third run-in

14/1

Form: /26P4- CD BF

Last run: 295 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Won this race first time out two years ago off 1lb higher; that was a good campaign and he ran well on reappearance last term but went the wrong way in his three starts afterwards; trainer reports "he had some problems, which I hope we've resolved"; big chance if they have.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

10th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 3

13:30 Newbury

On The Blind Side

12st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

12yo whose form is very patchy, and tailed off at Plumpton last month; however, prior to that he showed some spark on his reappearance at Sandown and his two hurdle runs here have yielded a Grade 2 second and a 50-1 win over C&D last March (soft; off today's mark); interesting now back here.

16/1

7th

4

7th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

14:15 Plumpton

On The Blind Side

11st 8lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Formerly a smart staying hurdler and proved he retains a significant chunk of ability when causing 50-1 surprise at Newbury (3m, soft) in March; also ran well when third (behind Hititi) on last month's seasonal debut at Sandown (2m7f, heavy) but younger rivals appeal more all the same.

7/1

Form: 215-11 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Wore cheekpieces on last four starts, on first occasion winning a 2m4f handicap at Newbury (soft) in March (19lb higher today); tongue tied as well this term and back in novice events for good-ground wins at Worcester (2m7f) and Cheltenham (3m); in a much more competitive race back in this handicap but he may well be a smart stayer in the making.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Shearer

12st 0lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Paul Nicholls

Relinquished an unbeaten record over regulation fences when fifth in this race last year, though he did well to be only 13l off Wonderwall given that he was in the firing line throughout; it's best not to read too much into a recent odds-on defeat behind past Festival hero Unexpected Party at Haydock (2m6f) as that was probably needed after 11 months off; has no ground preferences; can run well.

20/1

3rd

1

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 6f 54y

Class 3

16:30 Haydock

Shearer

12st 4lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Paul Nicholls

Useful hurdler/chaser who launched hunter chase career with two wins in this month last year (2m5f/2m7f) before a creditable fifth at the Cheltenham Festival (3m2f, good to soft); returns from 11-month absence but still commands respect.

9/4

5th

18

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Shearer

12st 0lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Unbeaten over regulation fences, having won two handicaps at about 3m in 2023 and come back from a long absence to win hunter chases at Ffos Las (2m5f, heavy) and Taunton (2m7f, good to soft); Haven't Time gave him something to think about last time and this demands more of him, probably a lot more; the cheekpieces he wore for those handicap wins are back on; Paul Nicholls has won this four times.

10/1

Form: 8/243- C

Last run: 306 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Progressive in 2019, including a win at this meeting; lightly raced since and unable to hit the same heights, with a bit to prove over this far; however, given the mistakes he made, his run over fences at Ludlow in January last time out suggests this could be a handy mark now he's back over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

23rd Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 150y

Class 4

14:45 Wincanton

Jatiluwih

12st 1lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

No longer the force of old but returned from 342-day absence with a pretty good third at Taunton (3m, good to soft) last month behind two next-time-out winners and competes off the same mark here; respected.

6/1

3rd

2

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 4

15:26 Taunton

Jatiluwih

12st 1lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

No win under rules since 2019 (he took a point in 2020) but he's well down the weights and competitive often enough, including at Newbury last March on latest start, to be considered each-way even though he may have a bit more to prove at his age first time out.

6/1

3rd

2

21st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 4

16:37 Newbury

Jatiluwih

12st 0lb

J: Mr David Maxwell

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Still in touch when unseating four out at Ascot last time (2m7f, good; 50-1) but it was still a long way from home; hasn't won under rules since 2019 and much-reduced mark looks justified.

25/1

Form: 3P874- D

Last run: 213 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Last jumps win was in 2019 (scored twice on Flat early in 2020); 452-day absence and left Colin Tizzard before last season, easily the best of which was his reappearance; has a 12lb lower mark today and most of his subsequent runs last term were over fences, so he's not totally dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

22nd Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

17:22 Ludlow

Padleyourowncanoe

11st 13lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Michael Blake

His form went the wrong way last season and there's been no revival over hurdles this term; left Dan Skelton before latest start; blinkers (last worn in 2017) return.

20/1

5th

1

1st Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

16:30 Exeter

Padleyourowncanoe

12st 2lb

J: Niall Houlihan

T: Michael Blake

midfield, pushed along and bit short of room after 4 out, pushed along before 3 out, ridden and weakened before 2 out

16/1

13

25th Nov 2022

Good

3m 0f 52y

Class 2

15:40 Newbury

Padleyourowncanoe

10st 12lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

His form went the wrong way last season but his struggles were predominantly over fences; having dropped down the weights he was sent off at just 7-2 when back over hurdles at Cheltenham a fortnight ago, where he fell four out; interesting contender for top yard off an attractive mark.

4/1

Non-runners

Jatiluwih

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £111.30
Straight Forecast £84.81
Tricast £836.48
Trifecta £1169.30

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Shearer

POSTDATA:

On The Blind Side

TOPSPEED:

Padleyourowncanoe

SPOTLIGHT:

Fontana Ellissi

RP Ratings:

Lisnagar Oscar

Telegraph:

Shearer

The Guardian:

Shearer

Daily Mirror:

Shearer

The Sun:

Shearer

The Star:

Shearer

Daily Record:

Shearer

LAMBOURN:

On The Blind Side

The Times:

On The Blind Side

Daily Mail:

On The Blind Side

D Express:

Padleyourowncanoe